Support for English Exams

Exam Support

Essential Learning Aid

Structured Term-Based Learning

Exam Skills with Macmillan

Macmillan’s Ready for series is a legendary collection of exam preparation materials for Cambridge English Qualifications, offering comprehensive support for the B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency levels.

Designed to build confidence and mastery, the series is a trusted choice for learners aiming to excel in these globally recognised exams.

Primary Coursebooks

Ready for B1 Preliminary is tailored to learners taking the Cambridge B1 Preliminary for Schools exam. It combines practical grammar practice, engaging topics, and extra speaking activities to build fluency and exam confidence.

Ready for B2 First (4th Edition) is an updated and refined resource for students preparing for the Cambridge B2 First exam. It delivers in-depth training across all language skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—while providing systematic grammar and vocabulary practice.

Ready for C1 Advanced (4th Edition) continues the tradition of excellence with an updated approach to preparing students for the Cambridge C1 Advanced exam. It focuses on advanced language structures, critical thinking, and effective communication, equipping learners with the tools they need to succeed.

Ready for C2 Proficiency is the pinnacle of the series, offering rigorous preparation for the most challenging Cambridge English Qualification. It emphasises mastery of sophisticated grammar, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions, ensuring students achieve fluency and precision.

Each level in the Ready for series is expertly crafted to provide learners with the strategies, skills, and confidence required to excel in their respective Cambridge exams, ensuring a pathway to academic and professional success.

Language Levels (CEFR)

Ready for B1 Preliminary
Ready for B2 First (4th Edition)
Ready for C1 Advanced (4th Edition)
Ready for C2 Proficiency

Course Preview & Sample Materials (B1)
Course Preview & Sample Materials (B2)
Course Preview & Sample Materials (C1)
Course Preview & Sample Materials (C2)

Exam Skills with Pearson

The course blends targeted practice with interactive and engaging content, making exam preparation both effective and enjoyable.

Students are guided through each section of the exam, learning how to tackle tasks with precision and efficiency while improving their overall language proficiency.

By focusing on key skills and providing opportunities for regular practice, the course builds not only exam readiness but also broader language competencies that support academic and real-world success.

Primary Coursebook

Pearson Formula is an excellent textbook because it combines flexible exam preparation with engaging content tailored to the needs of students aiming for Cambridge English Qualifications.

Its structured approach, featuring targeted practice and real-life exam tasks, ensures learners develop both language proficiency and confidence for success.

Language Levels (CEFR)

Formula B1
Formula B2
Formula C1

Choosing the Right Exam Preparation Course

The key difference between the Macmillan Ready For series and Pearson Formula lies in their focus and approach to exam preparation:

Macmillan Ready For
This series takes a more comprehensive and linear approach, making it ideal for longer, structured courses that require in-depth preparation for Cambridge English Qualifications.
Known for its rigorous practice and detailed coverage of exam skills, this series offers extensive language development alongside exam techniques, making it a more traditional but thorough option for long-term study.

Pearson Formula
Designed with flexibility in mind, this course adapts to different lengths of study and exam levels, offering tailored materials for specific learner needs. It is particularly effective for courses with varying durations or customised preparation plans.
Incorporates engaging, modern themes and interactive tasks that appeal to students, with an emphasis on building exam strategies alongside general language skills.

Both courses are excellent, but the choice depends on whether you prioritise flexibility and adaptability (Pearson Formula) or comprehensive, in-depth preparation (Macmillan Ready For).

Disclaimer
There is no preparation programme that can guarantee success in exams, as achieving excellent results depends on consistent effort, practice, and a well-rounded approach to learning. Students and parents should view these exam support programmes as valuable supplementary preparation to enhance skills and build confidence alongside the main English courses that teenagers are already taking at school. These programmes provide targeted strategies and focused practice, complementing regular academic studies to maximise the chances of success.

Enhancing Learning with Monolingual Dictionaries

The use of monolingual dictionaries is a fundamental component of effective English language education. By providing definitions, explanations, and examples entirely in English, these dictionaries encourage learners to think in the target language rather than relying on translations.

Monolingual dictionaries expose learners to natural, context-based definitions and practical usage examples, helping them develop a deeper sense of word meaning and nuances.

They also promote the acquisition of synonyms, antonyms, and collocations, which are essential for building fluency and expanding language proficiency.

Additionally, working exclusively with English-language explanations strengthens critical thinking and problem-solving skills as learners engage actively with the language.

Below is a selection of my favourite monolingual English dictionaries, each offering unique features to support learners in building vocabulary, understanding nuances, and enhancing their communication skills.

Learning Plans & Policies

English Fusion offers a structured and engaging way to learn English, guiding you through each step of your language journey. With three academic terms per year, you can study at a pace that suits you while ensuring steady progress.

Term Structure

Spring Term (January – April)
Summer Term (May – August)
Autumn Term (September – December)
Individual Plan – Learn on Your Own Schedule

Lesson Packages & Structure
To ensure consistency, lessons are available in packages of 12 (or multiples of 12) per term or as part of the Individual Plan:

Standard Package – 12 lessons per term (1 lesson per week)
Extended Package – 24 lessons per term (2 lessons per week)
Intensive Package – 36 lessons per term (3 lessons per week)

Get Started
Email us with a brief overview of your (or your child’s) English level, learning goals, and lesson preferences, and we’ll create a personalised plan to support your progress!

Supporting Your English Certificate